Azerbaijan Shares Expertise in Media Sector with Georgia

Gia Abashidze, described by Azerbaijani media as a representative of POSTV's analytical group, told journalists that Georgia and Azerbaijan need to work together to combat hybrid warfare.

“When a hybrid war is being waged against Georgia and Azerbaijan, and when all kinds of slanderous information are being spread about Georgia, we must share our experience with our friends and colleagues, both in Azerbaijan and beyond. Currently, a humiliating campaign is being waged against Georgia. The BBC wrote that a year ago, chemical weapons were allegedly used against demonstrators in Georgia, although, obviously, they did not find evidence of this, “he said.

At the media forum, Ioane Shaishmelashvili, the author and host of the "Eurocracy" program on POSTV, stated that the BBC is also spreading "false information" about Azerbaijan.

“How can media outlets with a global reputation and high standards, such as the BBC, publish false or inaccurate information about Azerbaijan? [...] The media must recognise their responsibility, and journalists must understand that the information they provide affects not only one country's interests but also several. Ignoring this makes disinformation a serious national challenge. The risk level now matches the threat to the country,” Shaishmelashvili said, emphasising that the issue of disinformation is significant for both Georgia and Azerbaijan.

The POSTV host also stressed the significance of a unified government strategy to fight disinformation.

“When radicalisation and disinformation replace real information, it becomes a national challenge.”

Ramilia Aliyeva, a staff member of the Georgian Public Broadcaster, stated that both countries have strong potential to exchange expertise. She mentioned that modern Azerbaijani media solutions could benefit Georgian colleagues, and Georgian media projects can be effectively used in Azerbaijan as well.

“The exchange of practical experience between Georgian and Azerbaijani journalists is crucial today,” said Ramilia Aliyeva.

According to information disseminated in Azerbaijani media, the forum was attended by Temur Charelashvili, the Executive Director of POSTV, and Kakha Maskharashvili, the Director of the Georgian Times.

Ahmad Ismailov, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency, opened the media forum by stating that “Azerbaijan and Georgia can work together on projects to counter global information threats and enhance cooperation in this field.”

“The Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan organises regular and traditional events to enhance media literacy among society. Hosting Media Literacy Week in Azerbaijan each December broadens educational initiatives in this field. We are prepared to collaborate with our Georgian colleagues in this area and share our experience,” Ismailov noted.

The media landscape in Azerbaijan is heavily controlled by the government and limited by repressive laws. The “Law on Media” defines who can be a journalist and permits the withdrawal of licences for “biased reporting” or headlines that “contradict public order, moral standards, or ethics.”  

The legislation significantly limits access to foreign funding, thereby eliminating the possibility of independent media outlets.

Dozens of independent journalists and bloggers have been imprisoned on false or politically motivated charges. State-owned and pro-government media dominate broadcast and print outlets, while the government blocks the small number of independent media outlets that operate solely online.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international organisation, describes Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev as a “press freedom predator.” In 2025, Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream, was also included on this list.